"Pretty Woman"-Like Thigh-High Boots "In"
Julia Roberts made the thigh high boot famous for all the wrong reasons in the film "Pretty Woman." But is this a trend women can wear to the office or out on the town?
Thigh-high boots may seem like they're runway only, but they are actually quite wearable. Style expert Katrina Szish came on "The Early Show" Tuesday to discuss some of the various virtues of thigh-high boots and how you can bring this once-risque footwear into your everyday wardrobe.
Thigh-high boots, she says, actually give you more coverage than opaque tights w a mini skirt and they are a great option instead of leggings. Thigh-high boots are actually more forgiving since you're wearing something more structured, which gives you long lean without the naked feeling of leggings.
Do you think there is an age limitation for this trend?
Szish said, "I think it comes with what type of over the knee boot you are wearing. I say go more classic if you're a mom over 50 or 60. I wouldn't recommend a mom wearing a black mini and thigh high platform boots. I think a mother should err on the side of the more equestrian look, this will look incredible."
Most women have shoes in all ranges of colors. Can we abide by the same rules for our over the knee boots?
"There are over-the-knee boots in all colors, but bright colors can end up looking too costumey, so I recommend sticking to neutrals...black, brown, beige and gray."
Szish shared four looks that highlight the thigh-high boot trend you can wear anywhere:
All Business Bombshell
What makes this appropriate for the work environment?
"Obviously this isn't going to be appropriate for every office, but the main work-friendly element here is the clean, un-adorned boot from Sergio Rossi. No zippers, studs, buckles or fussy details here. The silhouette is sexy, and the shape is fitted to the leg, but the majority of the leg is covered. Paired with a tailored jacket and fitted mini-dress from Cynthia Steffe, the look is edgy yet still professional."
Szish added you can put on accessories if you plan on going out at night.
Bohemian Weekend
Weekends are meant for fun. This flat boot is a great option for those who aren't ready to embrace the stiletto look quite yet. Tell us about it?
"Thigh-high boots don't have to have sky-high heels to be on-trend. These brown suede Jimmy Choos have a relaxed shape and are looser around the knee, which gives them a more casual attitude. You can tuck in your favorite pair of skinny jeans for no-brainer chic, or you can be fun and flirtatious with a pair of trouser-style shorts and a silky, patterned tunic like these from Nanette Lepore. Play with pattern to keep the look funky rather than formal."
"Early Show" co-anchor Julie Chen remarked the boots stay up, though they're suede. How is that possible?
Szish said the boots stay up because of the whip stitching around the boot's top edge, which gives support, and the slit in the back also helps keep the boot's structure.
Downtown Diva
Embellishments have been a big trend for awhile now. How do we carry this on to our downtown rocker chick look?
"The downtown diva is always working a cool, edgy vibe, and these studded suede boots from Dolce Vita are the perfect choice. Their slightly slouchy shape and mid-range heels give them a hipster vibe -- they remind me of something Kate Moss would wear. Paired with Cynthia Steffe's boyfriend blazer and thrown over a sequined dress, the effect is undoubtedly modern and cool."
Glamazon
Finally, if we want to make a statement, you say that we can wear the over the knee boots as an evening look. How do we accomplish this without looking like a "lady of the evening"?
"It's important to avoid the 'Pretty Woman' look, no matter how much we love Julia Roberts. But, this season is all about sex appeal -- the best way to stay sophisticated is to keep the look monochromatic. Do not wear hot pink boots with your little black dress. Also, if your dress is a micro-mini like this one from Herve Leger, choose boots that cover as much of your leg as possible rather than letting too much skin show. Also, be sure to wear opaque tights under the boots for the ultimate streamlined look."